Parkinson’s disease is one of the neurological diseases that many patients suffer from worldwide. These days, stem cells are being studied as to how they could be of help in treating such ailments. One of the innovative medical treatments for PD (Parkinson’s disease) is Neupro.

Neupro’s generic name is rotigotine. This medication is in the form of skin or transdermal patches. It is formulated to have the same effects as dopamine. Dopamine in your body should not be lower than normal or this will result to PD. Neupro treats the early symptoms of PD such as uncontrollable movements and tremors. Read on and know more about this medication. Maybe you could formulate questions about them and consult with your doctor.

1. Basic Information

Neupro has a narcotic effect, It can make you feel sleepy or drowsy during the day so you have to be careful with the things that you do while taking this medication so that you may prevent hurting yourself. Even if you are alert, you may just suddenly fall asleep. You should notify your doctor if you are encountering any problems with the drowsiness, swelling, suddenly sleeping, problems in breathing, severe headaches, sudden headaches, urges (sexual, gambling), chest pains, fainting, restlessmovements (neck, jaw, eyes, tongue), and hallucinations. You shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machinery if you are taking Neupro. It is best that you remove the Neupro patch if you are about to take an MRI scan. It will burn your skin if you leave it on. Do not get up suddenly to prevent dizziness or fall accidents

 

 

2. Before use

Before using Neupro, tell your doctor if you are allergic to silicone, povidone, or rotigotine; if you have cardiovascular diseases; if you have asthma; if you have tremors or dyskenesia; if you have seizure disorders; and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding It has been recorded that skin cancer, or melanoma, was developed in people who use medications in treating PD. With this, you should have skin exams at a regular basis if you are using Neupro.

 

 

 

3. How to use Neupro

As with any other medication, you should use Neupro according to your doctor’s instructions. You should not apply more than the prescribed number of patches. You should not let the patches stay on your skin longer than recommended. Of course, you should make it a habit to read the instructions very well. If you have any questions, freely ask the pharmacist or your doctor. Never tear the Neupro patch. Make sure that your skin is clean, dry, and intact before you apply the patch on the left or right lower side of the back, thigh, upper arm, stomach, hip, and shoulder. Shave the hairy part of the skin before applying the patch (at least three days before application). It will save a lot of fuss and time if you just choose a hairless part. Remember to apply the patch on a flat, smooth part o your skin for basically twenty four hours. During physical activities, avoid situations wherein you could accidentally scrape off the Neupro patch. It is not advisable to wear the patch on the same area for more than fourteen days. Make it a habit to wash your hands before and after handling the Neupro patch. You should store the medication at room temperature. When opening the Neupropatch, do not tear or cut the patch. It just opens easily.

 

 

4. Missed dose

Just apply the Neupro patch as soon as you do remember not applying it on time. But is the next schedule is near, just skip the dose that you missed and move  on to the next scheduled administration.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Overdose

As with any over dosage of medications, you have to seek immediate medical attention. A Neupro verdose can happen if you apply a new patch even if the old patch is still attached.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Adverse effects

Immediate medical attention should be sought if the following Neupro adverse effects are experienced:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Severe drowsiness
• Nausea and fainting
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Sweating
• Swelling
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Numbness
• Swelling of feet and hands
• Restless neck, eye, jaw, and tongue movements

Some of the mild side effects are swelling of the area of the patch, weight gain, frequent urination, appetite loss, runny nose, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, blurred vision, headaches, and swelling.

 

 

Take note that you should not touch your eyes if you just handled Neupro  patches. If you use lotion or creams on the area where you put the patch, the adhesive will not allow the Neupro patch to stick.